Origin
The roots of the British Shorthair can be found in Great Britain around 1900. Breeder Harrison Weir selected the best specimens from British street cats. After World War II the breed was close to extinction. Crossings with Persians gave it the more robust type and rounder head we know today.

Character
The British Shorthair is a calm, stable and balanced cat. Affectionate without being clingy, it adapts well to indoor life.

Care
The thick coat needs regular brushing, especially during moulting. Twice-weekly brushing is generally sufficient.

Body: short, compact and solid. Wide and deep chest, short solid legs, short thick neck.

Head: round and massive, full cheeks, strong chin. Forehead slightly convex. Nose break should be visible.

Eyes: large and round. Colour related to the coat.

Ears: small to medium, wide at the base, slightly rounded at the top.

Tail: thick at the base, tapering slightly, medium length.

Coat: short, dense and resilient. Abundant undercoat.

Colour: all colours and patterns accepted. Blue (grey-blue) is the most traditional and popular.